Two Former Buccaneers Make NFL Rosters As Rookies

Two former Blinn College football players were added to National Football League rosters as rookies this week.

Former Blinn wide receiver Dede Westbrook was named to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 53-man roster, while former Blinn running back Devante Mays was named to the Green Bay Packers’ 53-man roster.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them and how they are representing Blinn College,” Blinn football coach Ryan Mahon said.

Westbrook was named the Jaguars’ No. 3 wide receiver after catching 13 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns in three games this preseason.

Westbrook was selected 110th overall in the fourth round of this year’s draft out of the University of Oklahoma. In 2014, Westbrook was an NJCAA first-team All-American at Blinn after a season of 76 receptions, 1,487 yards, and 13 touchdowns.

In two years at Oklahoma, Westbrook totaled 1,267 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns and was awarded the Biletnikoff Award for best receiver in college football. He finished fourth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy.

Mays was selected 238th overall in the seventh round of this year’s draft out of Utah State University. In 2014, Mays ran for 557 yards on 57 carries and three touchdowns to earn all-Southwest Junior College Football Conference honors.

In two years at Utah State, Mays rushed for 1,225 yards and 12 touchdowns on 202 carries. He is the first running back ever drafted by the Packers out of Utah State.

The Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars kick off the season on Sunday, Sept. 10, as the Jaguars take on the Houston Texans at noon and the Packers take on the Seattle Seahawks at 3:25 p.m.

Westbrook, Mays, and Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers) make up for the three former Buccaneers currently playing in the NFL.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 36 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.